| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Engineering and Design, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Engineering and Design |
| COMPANY |
| Japanese manufacturer specializing in custom automated production machinery, precision molds, dies, and equipment used mainly in the automotive and electronics industries. |
| SUMMARY |
| Her journey began with a simple curiosity about Japan, which grew into a passion for learning Japanese and chasing big dreams. Despite multiple interview setbacks, she embraced every challenge with excitement, leveling up her skills and confidence along the way. On her seventh try, she finally found the perfect Japanese company for her thanks to her persistence, joy in learning, and believing in your path |
The First Step of Learning Japanese, Starting with ‘Interest’
My interest in Japan began when I was a first-year university student. While studying in the engineering department, I naturally became fascinated with Japan’s technology and culture. At my university, there is a program where first-year students study a foreign language for six months. Among English, German, and Japanese, I chose Japanese because I was drawn to Japan’s culture and technology. This was the beginning of my Japanese learning journey.
At that time, however, it was purely a choice driven by “interest.” I only attended one class per week as part of a required course. Around the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic started, so the learning environment was limited. Even so, when I look back now, I realize that that small decision led to a major turning point later. I never imagined that two and a half years later, I would be in Japan, attending a job interview in Japanese, looking for the perfect Japanese company to launch my career at.
The Challenge Makes It Interesting! My University Life and Passion for Learning Japanese
I began studying Japanese seriously in my second year of university. It all started when I learned about a Japanese language school called “Hirameki.” After my first year of exposure to Japanese, I wanted to learn more deeply.
Japanese is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. That’s why I wanted to challenge myself with its difficulty. I especially loved kanji. Every time I learned a new kanji, I felt excited, and this became a major motivation for my Japanese studies.
During my two and a half years of studying, there were many difficult moments. However, my strong interest in the language, as well as conversations and interactions with my classmates, supported me. We motivated each other and created an environment where we could learn happily.
Balancing my university courses was not easy, but I made a rule for myself: “From evening to night, it’s Japanese time.” I attended classes without skipping, and also focused on self-study, which helped me overcome difficulties.
The Possibility of Working in Japan, Sparked by Learning Japanese
I first learned about FAST OFFER International after I began studying Japanese seriously at Hirameki. At that time, I was still a second-year student and didn’t consider working in Japan to be very realistic. I didn’t even register for FAST OFFER. However, as I continued learning Japanese, I started to think, “Maybe I have a chance to work in Japan too.”
Gradually, my thoughts changed, and in October 2024, I registered for FAST OFFER. From there, my journey toward working in Japan began in earnest.
Turning Frustration into Motivation: Interview Experiences That Shaped Me
Getting an offer from a Japanese company was never easy. The first opportunity I had to interview with a Japanese company was in January. I was overjoyed to think, “My dream is coming true!” but I didn’t receive a job offer. Because I wasn’t used to speaking with Japanese people, I was so nervous that I felt like my heart might jump out of my chest. I couldn’t calm down and wasn’t able to express myself well.
In February, I had the chance to come to Japan and participate in an interview event. But again, I didn’t receive an offer, and it was hard to accept the reality. However, I didn’t feel “sad” about failing. I believed that I would definitely find a company that suited me. I was confident that next time, I would pass.
At the interview event in Japan, I felt that many students had already received offers, but I changed my mindset to think, “I still have chances,” and enjoyed FAST OFFER’s events and my time in Japan.
My desire to work in Japan became even stronger. I asked friends who had already received job offers for mock interviews and practiced with mentors from FAST OFFER, working hard to improve my Japanese conversation skills.
Dreams Realized with the 7th Company: Finding the Perfect Japanese Company for Me
In May, I had my 7th interview. Finally, I passed the first and second online interviews and was selected to come to Japan in June for the final in-person interview. I prepared a lot for this interview. From my previous experiences, I learned the importance of studying a company’s website, gathering information from it, finding common points between my areas of interest and the company’s projects, and explaining my Final Year Project effectively. I also consulted with seniors who had already received job offers from the company and practiced with them.
This Particular Japanese Company Was Perfect For Me!
I strongly felt that this company matched my skills, and I was very eager to work there. By this time, the anxiety I had felt about speaking with Japanese people during my first interview had disappeared, and I was confident.
When I came to Japan in June, my flight was canceled, so I only had one day to stay. I ended up attending the final interview without much sleep, which made me a bit nervous. However, I was able to relax and show my abilities without getting too tense. I will never forget when the CEO and general manager said, “Today, we have learned something new from you.”
At that moment, I strongly felt that I wanted to work for this company. I’m full of gratitude. Once I start living in Japan, I plan to travel around the country, visiting shrines and temples to enjoy Japan’s beautiful landscapes. I also want to settle in Japan, make many friends, and actively learn about Japan’s excellent technology.
Message for Those Learning Japanese
Learning Japanese in a classroom and using it to communicate in a community are completely different experiences. Don’t just learn from books; engage with people and actively challenge yourself to have conversations. You will likely do much better than you expect. The important thing is not to view studying Japanese as something “difficult,” but to continue learning with the mindset that it’s something “fun.” If you enjoy learning, a chance to go to Japan will definitely come. I am cheering for you!
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: How to Find the Perfect Japanese Company For Yourself
Finding the perfect company for yourself is similar to romantic dating! Technically, no human being is objectively perfect, but with enough patience and effort, you can find someone that you jive with. Having similar goals and values, and complementary personalities can lead to a long-lasting partnership with a company!
How to Find the Perfect Japanese Company You Can Align With:
- Know Yourself by assessing your honest:
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Professional goals
- Work you enjoy doing
- Values
- Passions and motivations
- Personality
- Do your company research! Finding Japanese companies you’re interested in is just step one. You need to get on a rabbit hole to learn who they are. Know if you will fit with the company before you even apply. This will also later help you understand how Japanese companies’ mindset operate at interviews.
- Prepare for the interviews. Figure out how best to communicate your shared goals, values, and passion at the job interview! Anticipate questions, do mock interviews, and refine your Japanese.
- When one door closes, another opens. Don’t take rejections personally and keep trying until you find your perfect match!
